The CLSC Class of 2026 poses for a photo during Recognition Day Wednesday on the steps of the Hall of Christ.
NORA SMITH
Staff Writer
Class of 2026 graduate Charlene Tobie receives her diploma during the CLSC Recognition Day Ceremony Wednesday in the Hall of Philosophy.
At 8:15 a.m. Wednesday morning, the steps of the Hall of Christ and the grove between Alumni Hall and the Hall of Philosophy grew vibrant with chatter and excitement as the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Class of 2026 graduates gathered for their anticipated banner reveal.
Graduates took out their phones to capture Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts Stephine Hunt’s reveal of the banner. The reveal was followed by an admirable applause and a shout of thanks to the banner committee that featured Elizabeth Bender and Kriss Young Miller, who made the banner, in addition to Anne Shayne and Buffy Elder, who worked alongside Miller and Bender in the banner’s planning and creation process.
Following the reveal, graduates happily took turns taking photos with the banner before grouping together for their class photo in front of the Hall of Christ and afterward lined up in alphabetical order before parading to their next destination: the Golden Gates.
At the same time, CLSC alumni classes spanning from the 1970s and 1980s to 2025 paraded their way into the Hall of Philosophy from Bestor Plaza, waving flags and clapping in support of the new graduates. Meanwhile, the Messenger and Gatekeeper, this year representing Ida Tarbell and Kate Kimball, led the graduates down Fletcher Avenue and to the base of the stairs by the Hall of Philosophy before opening the Golden Gates.
After making their way through the gates and the pews toward the front rows, graduates were officially congratulated and welcomed by Emily and Richard Smucker Chair for Education Jordan Steves.
“Collectively, the CLSC Class of 2026 invites us to celebrate those connections that draw us here each summer: a spirit of democracy, the shared responsibility of keeping the flame of learning alive, the many diverse voices that strengthen our community and, of course, the written word,” Steves said.
From there, the ceremony continued with the Recognition Day Address, many congratulations and the “CLSC Anniversary Ode,” performed by the Motet Choir.
However, before moving on to the responsive reading, Steves reflected on the CLSC and Chautauqua Literary Arts’ “proud tradition of leadership by women” and Hunt’s own leadership before sharing “some joyful news.”
“It is my honor to announce to this most fulsome gathering of our Chautauqua Literary Arts community that, effective immediately, Stephine Hunt is our permanent Michael I. Rudell Director of Literary Arts,” Steves said, followed by an eruption of applause and celebration before Hunt led the responsive reading.
“I do a lot of planning, but I forgot to grab tissues,” Hunt said and thanked attendees before beginning the reading.
After a welcoming from President of the Alumni Association of the CLSC Pat McDonald, the Guild of the Seven Seals graduates were recognized before the graduation ceremony commenced, in which graduates made their way across the stage as their names were called and officially became members of the CLSC.
“It’s been an honor to do this,” Hunt said. “This is my 10th summer here at Chautauqua, since 2017 was the first graduating class with me — congratulations for being here in your 10th summer — to now, the Class of 2026 to be a steward of this tradition.”
Then, each alumni class of the CLSC was dismissed one at a time, leaving the once-brimming Hall of Philosophy with only the newest graduates remaining.
Graduates and alumni proceeded from Cookman Avenue to the Amphitheater to enjoy the 10:45 a.m. lecture from David Blight and Tiya Miles in the front rows. Afterward, graduates and alumni made their way to Alumni Hall for the celebratory reception at 12:15 p.m., where cake and punch were served.
Christine R. M. Bourgeois, a 2026 graduate and part of the International Order of the King’s Daughters and Sons from Canada, was first introduced to Chautauqua when she received an Elizabeth Wilson Memorial Scholarship. From there, she was introduced to the Chautauqua Scholars and, as a part of the IOKDS, came to Chautauqua for the first time as a student in 2013 and has been coming back every year since.
Last year, Bourgeois said she met fellow graduate Patricia B. Lundquist, and there they decided to graduate with the CLSC together this Summer Season.
“I met a new friend, and she held me accountable and was checking in on me throughout the winter, and she would tell me, ‘Oh, I just finished a book,’ and then I would be like, ‘Okay, I need to catch up,’” Bourgeois said.
Bourgeois said walking through the Golden Gates was a particularly special moment during the day and week of recognition.
“It was really, really special, and then having so many alumni there to celebrate and being part of something that’s so historic,” Bourgeois said.
Lundquist is a part of a lifelong journey at Chautauqua.
“I am descended from many generations of Chautauqua cleaning ladies and security guards and whatnot, like most local people are,” Lundquist said. “… Chautauqua has always had an important place in our lives.”
Lundquist is an Alumni Association scholarship winner, was a librarian at Panama Central School and said she “owes a tremendous amount of gratitude to the Alumni Association.”
Lundquist said she has experienced some true friendships by staying at a denominational house on the grounds and has taken a Writers’ Center course each year, thanks to the Alumni Association. At first, Lundquist said, she felt like an imposter in the class, having not published anything, but as participants took turns reading, she began to feel welcomed and just like one of them.
“… Now I understand so much more about the process of writing and the meaning of writing,” Lundquist said. “It’s been very rewarding.”
David Randall Hollier first visited Chautauqua in 2025 at his friend’s encouragement, but at that point, he didn’t know what to expect. Hollier said he learned a majority about the CLSC during Wednesday’s ceremony.
As a retired professor of education, Hollier said joining the CLSC was right down his alley, especially being an avid reader. He even said he wouldn’t have become exposed to a variety of books if they hadn’t been on the list.
“It’s really cool, and to celebrate reading and encourage reading, who does that?” Hollier said.
Chautauqua does.
